Carlos Manzo, Independent Mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, Shares Video Evidence of Criminal Training Camp
Carlos Manzo, the independent mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, has released a video showing alleged members of organized crime conducting tactical exercises, which he claims to be a training camp. Manzo urgently calls for federal government intervention due to escalating violence in the region.
Content of the Video
- The video, shared by Manzo via social media, displays at least seven men with long guns and tactical gear practicing combat positions in a garden.
- Although their faces are not visible, the voice of an off-camera man gives instructions.
- Manzo wrote, “I share one of many videos that demonstrate the existence of criminal groups with paramilitary training camps, heavily involving Colombians and Venezuelans in Uruapan’s Meseta Purépecha region and its surrounding hills.”
Manzo has repeatedly denounced the presence of criminal cells operating in his municipality.
Mayor’s Plea for Support
Manzo has directly requested assistance from President Claudia Sheinbaum and Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, to address the violence.
“Do not leave Uruapan alone and take the necessary actions so that honest, hardworking people in Uruapan are not further harmed by kidnappings, homicides, extortion, and vehicle theft,” Manzo expressed.
Mayor’s Stance on Using Force
In his nine months in office, Manzo has gained attention for his expressions of using force against organized crime.
His stance peaked following the murder of a municipal public servant in Uruapan. In response, Manzo ordered the municipal police to “shoot and kill any armed criminal who resists arrest or attacks the population.”
Manzo, a political science graduate from ITESO, has also served as a federal deputy for Morena. He became the president of Uruapan’s Ayuntamiento through a citizen candidacy after working as an IMSS auditor and private sector consultant.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Carlos Manzo? Carlos Manzo is the independent mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, with a political science background from ITESO. He previously served as a federal deputy for Morena and has experience working as an IMSS auditor and private sector consultant.
- What is the video about? The video shows alleged members of organized crime conducting tactical exercises, which Manzo claims to be a training camp in Uruapan’s Meseta Purépecha region.
- Why did Manzo share the video? Manzo shared the video to highlight the presence of criminal groups with paramilitary training camps in his municipality and to urge federal government intervention due to escalating violence.
- What actions has Manzo taken against crime? Manzo has expressed support for using force against criminals, ordering the municipal police to shoot resisting armed offenders following a public servant’s murder.
